What’s in a name? A lot apparently, as entrepreneurs, artists, and makers of all kinds spend enormous amounts of energy searching for the right name for their business, project, organization, or creation. Below, you’ll find the stories of how various successful brands, creators and entrepreneurs came up with their names.

Kristina Fusco

Kaeda Haus was an homage to my family and our Italian culture which deeply influenced my love of hospitality and taking care of others. My parents are from Italy, so we grew up making memories in the kitchen, which was the heart of our home. We loved to host parties and share food and wine with all who entered. Anyone who was at our house was a part of the family and would never leave hungry. When I decided to start my temporary housing business I knew my biggest goal was that I wanted people who stay with us to also feel that warmth and love in the homes they stay in. KAEDA is a combination of the first letter of each person in my family, again attributing to the gratitude I feel for my upbringing and the hospitality-focused service we would provide our guests. Read more>>

Chelsey Coy

When you think two-oh-six, you think Seattle or an area code, right? Well not for us!

We get that question all the time, but twoOHsix Music was actually born out of a songwriter’s retreat in Palm Springs back in 2018. A group of friends – all songwriters/singers/producers – went to the desert to write 18 songs in 2 days and decided that we should start a company with our own extensive music catalogs. The room number we stayed in was 206. Fast forward to 2022 and we have our own music licensing and supervision agency based out of Los Angeles with over 800 artists featured on our roster. Read more>>

Aisha James

The name of my company’s journey started back in 2020, my baby brother Robert and I were in Largo, Florida visiting my grandparents, at the time my grandfather was ill. Robert made mention of ‘how fashionable I always was whether it was my sunglasses, outfits or just my overall aura when it came to being stylish. We discussed starting my brand and what that would look like, what would it represent about me and how I show up every day to the world, my family & myself. I started brainstorming a few after our trip and I decided to cultivate my brand with selling fashionable, inexpensive, stylish sunglasses for men, woman & children. The goal now was to name this brand, what would it be called??? Read more>>

Morgan Doscher

Mo Knows Marketing Agency, LLC (doing business as Mo Knows Art) has been a brand in the making my whole life. Not just as my name tag but as a statement of knowledge and the ability to learn. If I don’t already know how, then I will find out, as I have gone even further to master many art forms. Art styles led to photography, which led to graphic design and web development. From there I grew my experience in marketing and videography. Read more>>

Jon D’Auria

While it wasn’t exactly a wild a-ha moment or a journey leading into uncharted territory, finding the name for my company was an extremely important step in the development of my business. My publication is called Bass Magazine, which is as on the nose and literal as it gets, but that’s also what makes it so ideal for us. The process that led us to it was filled with enough kismet and purpose for it to be truly meaningful to me and I couldn’t be more appreciative for the opportunity to land that name. Read more>>

Serena Dewese

When I was a teenage I worked at a local restaurant in Summerville sc called “ Lillie”s cafe” where my grandparents owned. They served “Southern Dishes”. My grandfather always stated that he wanted to make the meals reasonable for anyone could afford them but also give them there “monies worth “ ..lol. So when he prepared the meals he always was heavy handed ,which means he’s always gave a whole lot on there plates enough for them to have seconds. So by him doing that as I got older and came up with my business name I wanted something unique and eyecatching so I came up with “A Mouthful Catering llc.” The name speaks for itself because I always give my customers “A Mouthful”. Read more>>

Nick Shook

For me, naming a business wasn’t just a branding decision—it was a spiritual one. I wanted a name that would reflect not only my professional mission but also the deeper purpose God has placed on my heart.

I was raised in a single-parent household where money was often scarce. We depended on food stamps and government assistance, and I remember many moments of uncertainty—wondering how we’d afford school supplies, clothes, or even where our next meal would come from. But through it all, God provided. He placed people in my life who offered not just financial help, but also wisdom, encouragement, and opportunities that shaped the course of my life. Read more>>

Chelsea Elliott, MSW

My company name, Somocom Lab, is very…unique. I learned in my macro social work graduate program to think big, be innovative, and get out of the norm, and that’s how I came up with the name.

Somocom is a combination of the words “SOcial-eMOtional COMmunication” smashed together. The company is a “Lab” because we are emotional scientists guided by our curiosity and commitment to understanding the why behind the what in regards to behavior and emotional development. Read more>>

Erica Sartini-Combs

When I first conceived the idea for Guided Place, I envisioned a small, bespoke meditation service. At the time, I was deep into studying meditation and energy work, and I had been sharing my insights with others—receiving such wonderful feedback. I felt inspired to bring this more spiritual side of me to life, something I could explore “on the side.” Little did I know, I would soon step into this work full time and create something far bigger than I had initially imagined. Read more>>

Tara Punzone

I have visited Costa Rica many times in the past and made a promise to myself that one day I would move there and open a business there. I even had “Pura Vida” tattooed on my wrists!
When it came time to open my restaurant in West Hollywood, I had the idea to change the spelling to make it Italian as constant reminder of the Pura Vida lifestyle, and consistent self encouragement to make my dreams a reality. Read more>>

Nelle G

For Envision It Experience Events, the name came from a desire to empower clients to see their dream celebration brought to life. “Envision It” represents the idea that if you can picture it, we can create it. “Experience” was added because we don’t just design events—we curate moments that feel immersive, intentional, and unforgettable. Read more>>

L.A. Juan Dansby

NATIVES is based on the reestablishment of the Black Culture and community in America. The fact that most blacks in America cannot and have not been able to connect their roots back to Africa creates a whole new community of people. Read more>>

Tali Neidenfeuhr

Dom and I did a bunch of brainstorming to come up with the name of our business. I remember sitting at the kitchen table in our condo making lists upon lists. We wanted something that tied the nature and adventure side of our business with the magic of weddings. After making lists of everything we could think of related to the outdoors and weddings, Dom come up with “Forever and Evergreens” combining the “forever and ever” of weddings with “evergreens” to bring both of the things we love together. Read more>>